First-half showing had the faithful daring to dream

IT was another valiant performance by Leicester Tigers in the European Champions Cup against Ireland plus the season's outstanding All Blacks centre at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

- By IAN COCKERILL

(DAVID ROGERS'GETTY IMAGES)

I must confess to surprise at how close the game was, albeit the Tigers failed to gain a single match point for all their efforts.

Leicester's first choice front row schooled their much vaunted opponents, whilst the two flying wingers each grabbed a try in a first half that had the Leicester faithful daring to dream.